Beyond pineal melatonin: sensing the seasons without the eye

该项目将通过在突变和野生型线虫模型中应用模拟季节性环境变化的实验处理，来确定动物的季节性繁殖和最近识别的大脑生化途径之间的因果联系。通过实验，我们将确定有用的生物目标，这些目标可能被操纵以加强对受管理动物的季节性繁殖的控制。通过更好地控制动物的生殖产量，农民和管理人员可以根据需要增加和/或减少受管理物种的生殖产量，包括牲畜和脊椎动物害虫。这将提高宝贵的土地资源的利用，并将过度养殖对生态的破坏降至最低。

The project will identify the causal connection between seasonal breeding in animals and a recently recognised brain biochemical pathway by applying experimental treatments mimicking seasonal environmental changes in a mutant and wild-type nematode worm model. Through experimentation we will identify useful biological targets that might be manipulated to enhance control of seasonal breeding in managed animals. With better control of reproductive output in animals, farmers and managers can increase and/or decrease reproductive output as needed in managed species including livestock and vertebrate pests. This will enhance the use of precious land resources and minimize ecological damage from overbreeding.